Imatges de pàgina
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conceive the nature of the Hypoftatick Union of God and Man? Or clearly to apprehend the Manner in which the Divine and Human Natures are joined together in one Perfon, and yet remain two compleat and diftinct Natures, fo that the fame Perfon is at the fame time truly God, and truly Man?

These things are far beyond our reach; and therefore when we commemorate them, we ought humbly to admire the Proceedings of Divine Wifdom, without attempting to measure them by the fcanty Line of finite Understanding. When we celebrate the coming of CHRIST into the World, it behoveth us readily to embrace this Doctrine which is worthy of all acception, without puzling ourselves with unneceffary Inquiries concerning it. We fhould not boldly examine into that which God hath kept fecret, but content ourfelves with knowing and believing that which he hath revealed, in the Simplicity wherewith he hath revealed it,

If we follow thefe Rules, our Faith will be preferved pure and undefiled; whereas by endeavouring to comprehend Things incomprehenfible, and to explain Things inexplicable; 'tis very probable that we В 2

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obtain, my pleading nothing for their Publication will not, I hope, render 'em the less useful.

The Caufe I have mention'd, as bindering the Efficacy of the Word Preach'd, are very common, and within the Reach of almost every one's Obfervation. I have open'd them with a juft Freedom and Plainnels; becaufe People are fo backward to apply things as they ought, that unless their Pictures are drawn pretty near to the Life, they will not think themselves concern'd; and indeed hardly if they be.

But if after the Reading of what is deliver'd under each Article in the for mer Part of that Difcourfe, Perfons would lay their Hands upon their Breafts, and cooly examine, whether they don't find their own Cafe to be touch'd; and then reflect upon the Unreasonableness of continuing therein; (in doing which, thofe Thoughts I have fuggefted upon every Particular in the latter Part of the fame Difcourfe, may affift them) If, I fay, they would do thus, they might perhaps be brought to a Sight, and Senle of their own Faults; be prevail'd upon to amend their Behaviour; and become more profitable

fitable Hearers of the Word Preach'd for the future.

If what is bere offer'd to the World, proves inftrumental in promoting the Good of others, let God have their Praises, and me have their Prayers, and then my Trouble will me most amply Rewarded.

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